Follow these essential post-laser care steps to protect your skin, reduce irritation, and achieve lasting results.
Proper aftercare is essential for achieving the best results and helping your skin heal quickly and safely. Please follow the guidelines below to ensure a smooth recovery and maintain healthy, radiant skin.
1. Skin Sensitivity and Redness
It’s normal for the treated area to appear red, slightly swollen, or irritated after your session. These effects usually last from a few hours to two or three days, depending on the individual and treatment area.
First 24 hours: Treat your skin gently. Avoid makeup, heavy moisturisers, and any active skincare products such as exfoliators or retinol. Let your skin recover naturally.
2. Sun Protection
Stay out of direct sunlight for at least two weeks after treatment. The treated skin is more sensitive to UV light, and exposure can cause pigmentation or irritation.
- Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher every day.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, even on cloudy days.
- Wear protective clothing, such as a hat or long sleeves, when possible.
3. Cooling and Moisturising
- Cooling: Apply a cool compress or aloe vera gel to reduce redness or swelling.
- Hydration: Keep your skin moisturised with a gentle, fragrance-free product. Avoid alcohol-based or harsh formulations.
Soothing post-treatment products are also available to support recovery and comfort.
4. Avoid Heat and Sweating
For 48 hours after your session, avoid anything that raises your body temperature or causes sweating:
- Hot showers, saunas, or steam rooms
- Vigorous exercise or hot yoga
- Swimming in chlorinated pools
Excess heat and sweat can irritate the treated skin and delay healing.
5. No Scrubbing or Exfoliating
Do not scrub, pick, or exfoliate the treated area for at least one week. Abrasive materials such as loofahs or rough washcloths can damage healing skin and cause irritation.
6. Makeup Use
You may apply makeup after 24 hours, but giving your skin a full day to breathe is best. When removing makeup, use a mild, non-alcohol-based cleanser or makeup remover to avoid irritation.
7. Avoid Hot Tubs, Pools, and Salt Water
Wait at least 72 hours before soaking in hot tubs or swimming in pools or the sea. These environments can introduce bacteria and increase the risk of infection or irritation.
8. Hair Removal
Do not wax, tweeze, or thread the treated area after laser hair removal. Shaving is fine and will not affect your results.
You may notice hair shedding within five to fourteen days after treatment. This is normal—these hairs are being released from the follicles that were treated.
9. Additional Care for Laser Skin Treatments
Avoid topical acne treatments, retinoids, or strong actives for at least five days after your session. These can be too harsh while the skin is healing.
If you notice blistering, prolonged redness, swelling, or any unusual reaction, contact your practitioner immediately for guidance.
10. Long-Term Care for Best Results
- Sun protection: Continue daily use of sunscreen on treated areas to preserve results and prevent hyperpigmentation.
- Follow-up treatments: Complete the full course of recommended sessions for best results. Multiple appointments may be needed for hair removal or deeper skin rejuvenation.
By following these post-treatment care steps, you’ll support your skin’s healing process and enjoy smoother, clearer, and longer-lasting results from your laser treatments.
